Sennheiser HMEC 46 User manual

HMEC 46
Bedienungsanleitung
Instructions for use
Notice d’emploi
Istruzioni per l’uso
Instrucciones para el uso
Gebruiksaanwijzing
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Safety instructions
yPlease read these instructions carefully and
completely before using the headset.
yMake these instructions easily accessible to all users
at all times.
yAlways include these instructions when passing the
headset on to third parties.
yDuring flight operation, do not use the headset for
telephone calls.
yWith the NoiseGard™ active noise compensation
switched on, typical aircraft sounds (for example,
those from engines, propellers, warning alarms, etc.)
may sound different to you. Before operating any
aircraft, make sure that, with NoiseGard™ switched
on, you can hear and recognize these sounds. Set the
volume to safe levels that do not interfere with your
ability to hear informational sounds and warning
alarms.
yThe headset is capable of producing sound pressure
levels exceeding 85 dB(A). In many countries 85 dB(A)
is the maximum legally permissible level for
continuous noise exposure during the working day.
Exposure to sounds of higher volume levels or for
longer durations can permanently damage your
hearing!
yNever repair or attempt to repair a defective headset
yourself. Contact your Sennheiser agent or the
Sennheiser Service Department.
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yOnly replace those parts of the headset whose
replacement is described in this manual. All other
parts of the headset must be replaced by your
Sennheiser agent.
yProtect the headset from humidity. Use only a slightly
damp cloth to clean the headset. For information on
how to clean the headset, contact your Sennheiser
agent.
Intended use of the headset
Intended use includes:
• having read these instructions especially the chapter
“Safety instructions”.
• use of the headset in jet aircraft and within the
operating conditions as described in these
instructions.
Improper use
Improper use means use of the headset other than as
described in these instructions or use under operating
conditions different from those described in these
instructions.
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The HMEC 46 headset
The HMEC 46 headset with NoiseGard™ active noise com-
pensation features dynamic, open headphones. The
noise-compensating condenser microphone ensures ex-
cellent speech transmission even in noisy environments.
Designed for use in aircraft cockpits.
Features
yNoiseGard™ active noise compensation reduces ambi-
ent noise by approx. 10 dB – consequently the radio
volume can be decreased
yExtremely lightweight
yExtremely comfortable to wear due to the patented
two-piece automatic headband and soft ear pads
yPeak level protection safeguards you from volume
peaks above 110 dB
y“Flip-away” headphone allows single-sided listening
yFlexible microphone boom, can be worn on either left
or right-hand side
yNoise-compensating condenser microphone ensures
excellent speech transmission
ySingle-sided cable, easy to replace
yWith NoiseGard™ switched off, the headset can be
used as a conventional headset
yPower supply for NoiseGard™ from aircraft DC power
supply system (on suitably equipped aircraft) or
batteries/rechargeable batteries
y“Auto shut-off” extends battery life
yETSO/TSO approval C57a/C58a
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Delivery includes
yHMEC 46 headset
yCable clip
yWind and pop screen
yInstructions for use
yCarry bag
yEASA Form 1
Operation
Turning the microphone boom
The microphone boom can be rotated. This allows the
headset to be worn with the microphone boom positioned
on either the left or right-hand side of the head.
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Putting on the headset
When putting on the headset, the patented two-piece
headband adjusts automatically.
Positioning the microphone
Bend the flexible microphone boom so that the micro-
phone is placed at the corner of the mouth. Maintain a
distance of approx. 2 cm between microphone and mouth.
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Flipping away one earcup
The headset features a “flip-away” earcup for single-
sided listening.
Adjusting the volume directly on the intercom
Connect the headset to the corresponding sockets of your
intercom. Adjust the volume directly on the intercom.
Hearing damage due to high volumes!
This headset is capable of producing high
sound pressure levels. Higher volumes or lon-
ger durations can damage your hearing!
Set the volume to a medium level. Make sure
that you can hear critical sounds such as war-
ning alarms.
CAUTION!
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Adjusting the microphone sensitivity
The microphone sensitivity has been factory pre-set to
40 mV/Pa as per RTCA DO-214. You can change the
microphone sensitivity by turning a small screwdriver in
the direction of the arrow.
+
–
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The operating controls of the HMEC 46
Operating control I
Volume controls
LED
NoiseGard™ ON/OFF
switch
Mono/stereo switch
BOOM switch L/R
3.5 mm jack socket
Battery compartment
2.5 mm jack socket
Headset with
operating
control I
Operating element

HMEC46-BV-K xxxxxxxx
HMEC 46-BV-CP x x x x x
HMEC 46-B-K x x x
HMEC 46-B-CP x x x
HMEC46-V-KP xxxxx
HMEC46-V-RP xxxxx
HMEC 46-V-CP x x x x














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Operating control II
LED
NoiseGard™ ON/OFF
switch
Headset with
operating
control II
Operating element

HMEC 46-CP x x
HMEC 46-KP x x
HMEC 46-NP x x


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Using the headset
Switching NoiseGard™ on/off
The NoiseGard™ ON/OFF switch allows you to switch
the NoiseGard™ active noise compensation on or off. With
NoiseGard™ switched off, the headset can be used as a
conventional headset.
왘Set the NoiseGard™ ON/OFF switch to the desired
position:
ON: NoiseGard™ is switched on. The LED lights up,
indicating the battery charge status (see
page 11) or power supply via the aircraft DC
power supply system.
OFF: NoiseGard™ is switched off. The LED is off.
Adjusting the volume
The two slide volume controls allow you to adjust the
volume for the left and right channel separately.
왘Use the two volume controls  to adjust the desired
volume.
Hearing damage due to high volumes!
This headset is capable of producing high
sound pressure levels. Higher volumes or lon-
ger durations can damage your hearing!
Set the volume to a medium level. Make sure
that you can hear critical sounds such as war-
ning alarms.
CAUTION!
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Switching between mono and stereo mode
The mono/stereo switch allows you to switch between
mono () and stereo () mode, depending on the
intercom system.
왘Set the mono/stereo switch to the desired
position: mono () or stereo ().
Changing the left and right stereo channel
The position “R” or “L” of the BOOM switch corre-
sponds to the position of the microphone on the left or
right side of the mouth. When the microphone boom is
rotated to permit left or right side microphone orienta-
tion, the BOOM switch allows you to correctly assign the
audio channels (L/R) to the appropriate headphone sides.
This enables the correct orientation of the volume con-
trols and any stereo audio signals. To move the BOOM
switch, use a pointed tool.
Powering NoiseGard™ via two (rechargeable) batteries
왘Insert two 1.5 V AA alkaline batteries (IEC LR 6) or
two 1.2 V AA rechargeable batteries (IEC LR 6).
Observe correct polarity when inserting the batteries.
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The operating time with batteries/rechargeable batteries
is approx. 100 hours.
With NoiseGard™ switched on (see page 10), the LED 
provides information on the remaining battery/
rechargeable battery capacity.
LED lights up yellow: The battery capacity is
sufficient.
LED lights up red: The batteries are flat.
Replace the batteries.
Activating the “auto shut-off” function
The battery-saving “auto shut-off” function automati-
cally switches the NoiseGard™ electronics off when the
headset is disconnected from the intercom or when the
aircraft avionics are switched off. The headset is delivered
ex-works with the “auto shut-off” function deactivated.
You can activate “auto shut-off” as follows:
왘Set the switch to the position ASO.
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Connecting a mobile telephone
The 2.5 mm jack socket allows you to connect a mobile
telephone. For this purpose, the NoiseGard™ active noise
compensation must be switched on and the microphone
connector must be connected to the aircraft radio/
intercom. A suitable adapter for your mobile telephone
with 2.5 mm jack socket is available from your Sennheiser
agent.
왘Connect the audio cable to the 2.5 mm jack socket 
on the operating control Iand to the corresponding
jack socket on your mobile telephone.
You can adjust the volume of the mobile telephone via
the headset’s operating control. However, the functions
of the mobile telephone cannot be controlled via the
headset’s operating control.
왘Operate your mobile telephone as usual and observe
the instructions of the manufacturer.
The latest information on cell phone compatibility is
available on the internet site at www.sennheiser.com.
왘Search under “Products”, “Aviation” and “more info
…”.
Danger of accident due to reduced attention!
Making telephone calls or operating the
mobile telephone limits your attention and
may cause accidents.
During flight operation, do not use the head-
set for telephone calls!
CAUTION!
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Connecting an additional audio player
The 3.5 mm jack socket allows you to connect and
listen to an audio player (not supplied) through the
headset. For this purpose, the NoiseGard™ active noise
compensation must be switched on.
왘Connect the audio cable to the 3.5 mm jack socket 
on the operating control Iand to the corresponding
jack socket on your audio player.
Danger of accident due to reduced attention!
Listening to music or operating an audio
device limits your attention and may cause
accidents.
During flight operation, do not use the head-
set for listening to additional audio sources!
Hearing damage due to high volumes!
This headset is capable of producing high
sound pressure levels. Higher volumes or lon-
ger durations can damage your hearing!
Set the volume to a medium level. Make sure
that you can hear critical sounds such as war-
ning alarms.
CAUTION!
CAUTION!
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Care and maintenance
Cleaning the headset
Use a soft, slightly damp cloth to clean the headset from
time to time. If the headset is very dirty, use a cloth
dampened with mild, soapy water.
Replacing the earpads
For reasons of hygiene, the earpads should be replaced
from time to time. Grasp the edge of the foam earpad
behind the earcup as shown and peel it up and away from
the earcup. Slide the new earpad onto the earcup. Repeat
for the other earcup.
Danger of short-circuit due to the ingress of
water!
Water entering the housing of the headset
can cause a short-circuit and damage the
electronics.
Use only a slightly damp cloth to clean the
headset. Do not use any solvents or cleansing
agents.
C
AUTI
O
N!
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Accessories and spare parts
By changing the cables, you can simply retrofit different
operating controls (see “The operating controls of the
HMEC 46” on page 8 and 9) or connectors (see “Product
variants” on page 17) to your headset.
yCable -CP Cat. No. 500852
yCable -V-CP Cat. No. 500846
yCable -B-CP Cat. No. 500837
yCable -BV-CP Cat. No. 500838
yCable -KP Cat. No. 500842
yCable -V-KP Cat. No. 500848
yCable -B-K Cat. No. 502183
yCable -BV-K Cat. No. 500839
yCable -NP Cat. No. 500855
yCable -V-RP Cat. No. 500853
yAudio cable, length 1.4 m,
with two 3.5 mm stereo jack plugs Cat. No. 520316
yAudio cable, length 1.4 m,
with two 2.5 mm jack plugs Cat. No. 520317
yCable clip Cat. No. 044740
yEarpads (1 pair) Cat. No. 515295
yEarpads (100 pairs) Cat. No. 515296
yWind and pop screen Cat. No. 515297
yWind and pop screen
(any number of items) Cat. No. 514127
yHeadband padding (1 pair) Cat. No. 515629
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Product variants
Single-sided round cable, length 1.85 m
XLR-5 connector
¼“ (6.3 mm) jack plug (headphones)
PJ-068 equivalent (microphone)
8-pin Neutricon connector
6-pin Redel connector
Aircraft powered
Battery powered
Operating control I (see page 8)
Operating control II (see page 9)
Model Cat. No.
Part Number 
HMEC 46 500854
046-35
HMEC 46-CP 500472
046-35-999-3211 xx x x
HMEC 46-V-CP 500473
046-35-999-3251 xx x x
HMEC 46-B-CP 500478
046-35-999-2291 xx xxx
HMEC 46-BV-CP 500479
046-35-999-2281 xx xxx
HMEC 46-KP 500475
046-35-999-3111 xxxxx
HMEC 46-V-KP 500476
046-35-999-3161 xxx xx
HMEC 46-B-K 502180
046-35-999-1191 xxx xx
HMEC 46-BV-K 500477
046-35-999-1171 xxx xx
HMEC 46-NP 500474
046-35-999-3811 xxxx
HMEC 46-V-RP 500471
046-35-999-3661 xxxx
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Specifications
Headphones
Transducer principle dynamic, open
Ear coupling supra-aural
Frequency response 20–14,000 Hz
Impedance 600 Ω/ 1.200 Ω
mono/stereo
Characteristic SPL 93 dB SPL at 1 kHz, 1 mW,
mono
95 dB SPL at 1 kHz, 1 V
Active attenuation ≥10 dB (300–700 Hz)
THD < 10 % at 110 dB SPL
(300–3,000 Hz)
Contact pressure approx. 3 N
Microphone incl. preamplifier
Type MKE 46
Transducer principle pre-polarized condenser
microphone,
noise-compensating
Frequency response 350–6,000 Hz
Output voltage adjustable from 17–100 mV/Pa,
40 mV/Pa (factory pre-set)
= 400 mV at 114 dB SPL
Terminating impedance 150–2,200 Ω
Supply voltage 8–16 V DC
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